US diver dies at Hastings Reef off Cairns

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A 42-year-old American man died while on an introductory dive on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns today.

Police received a call about 11.40am (AEST) about a diver in trouble on a boat at Hastings Reef about 50km north-east of Cairns.

A Queensland rescue helicopter flew to the reef but a paramedic declared the man dead.

A police spokeswoman said the diver was a US tourist.

She said police interviewed crew and passengers on the boat after its return to Cairns this afternoon.

The man was on an introductory dive from the vessel Tusa 3, operated by Tusa Dive Connection, when he experienced difficulties underwater and stopped breathing, Dive Queensland spokesman Steve Moon said.

He was brought to the surface but attempts by the crew to resuscitate him failed, he said.

The rescue helicopter flew his body to Cairns.

"As far as we can ascertain at this stage, from our preliminary investigation, there's no negligence on the part of the company that's obvious as yet," Mr Moon said.